Props to Obama, but how long will it last
I have to give props to Obama for his commitment [see Misty Fowler’s blog] to refusing PAC money. I hope more elected officials will take his lead, but I have my doubts and here’s why (from a Letter to Editor in WSJ–it just says it better than I could):
“The only reason lobbyists [PACs, special interest groups, etc.] appear as influential as they do is because of the power of the bodies they beseech. In other words, the power of lobbyists is directly proportional to the ability of the Senate and House of Representatives to give favors to the clients of lobbying firms. Rein in government [bridges to nowhere, boondoggle research projects in WV, a whole list of welfare programs, etc.] and you rein in lobbyists. Any attempt to weaken lobbyists without reforming government will do nothing more than violate the Constitution and ensure our politicians become less informed than they already are.”
Until we rein in government, I am afraid Obama’s commitment will be short lived because the incentives just don’t line up.
A side note warning to Obama on his commitment is to not pull a Bush Sr. “Read my lips no new taxes.” If Obama sticks to his commitment, the political shift that could occur could turn him into an FDR, Reagan type president and would be a tremendous legacy even if that was all he accomplished.
Misty Fowler said,
June 6, 2008 @ 11:25 am
What do you mean that the incentives don’t line up? For whom, the lobbyists?
lyall said,
June 9, 2008 @ 9:42 am
Misty,
The incentives don’t work on either side. 1) we reward senators and congressmen for securing ’special’ projects for their district (i just got a constituent letter back from Sen. Hatch re: the farm bill and his whole justification was the $$ it meant for Utah). so as long as we keep voting for people who bring home the bacon government will be focused on special interest funding. 2) lobbyists see a growing pie and know that direct access is available through these congressmen, so why not go directly to the source of the money fountain.